Monday, November 6, 2023
Islamabad (news advertisment. DW . November 6, 2023) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albenez arrived in China on Sunday and thus he is the first Australian Prime Minister to visit Beijing in the last seven years. He said that he brought with him a message of constructive engagement.
China frees Australian journalist jailed on espionage charges
Speaking at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Albinez stressed the mutual benefits of cooperative relations and pledged to maintain constructive ties to improve strained relations with China.
The United States and Great Britain announced plans to supply nuclear submarines to Australia
He said, “Constructive economic engagement between countries helps build relationships.
. This is why the government I lead will continue to work constructively with China."
Agreements in China and the Solomon Islands add to America's concerns in the Indo-Pacific
According to Albénez, his approach to relations with China has been "patient and deliberately cautious," aiming to ensure that the interests of both countries are addressed "because of good diplomacy." So it works better.
US, UK and Australia commit to jointly develop hypersonic weapons
Prioritize trade negotiations
Trade talks will be a major focus during Australian Prime Minister Albenez's visit. This includes reducing barriers, which have cost billions of dollars in Australian exports, and reaching consensus on how to resolve future trade disputes.
The year 2020 has seen a warming of relations between the two countries after a sharp disagreement and most of the trade barriers have been removed. The visit is also an indication that Australia is keen to resolve tensions over regional issues, including the South China Sea, while promoting trade ties.
China is the largest market for Australia's exports, particularly for iron ore, natural gas and key minerals such as lithium.
"The fact that this is the first visit of our major trading partner in the last seven years is a very positive step and I look forward to working constructively with the President and Prime Minister during my visits to Shanghai and Beijing," Albenez said. I look forward to the conversation and dialogue."
China's foreign ministry has said that Albinez's meeting with Chinese leaders will discuss "bilateral issues as well as international and regional issues of common concern".
Intention to discuss human rights as well
Albénez is also scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where he plans to raise human rights concerns, particularly the detention of Australian citizens, and advocating for a transparent legal process.
Yang Hengyun, 58, has been detained in China without conviction for nearly five years and raised the issue during a meeting with Xi Jinping on Monday.
Yang has been held in a Beijing detention center awaiting trial on espionage charges since 2021.
Earlier, the Australian Prime Minister also raised the issue of detained Australian journalist Cheng Li, who was released and deported last month. His release ahead of Albinez's visit is being seen as a concession by China.
